Lease Dispute Resolution Timeline

Summary

In Massachusetts, you can sue 30 days after the defendant receives your demand letter, typically based on the delivery date. For lease disputes, Massachusetts law (M.G.L. Ch. 186, §12) requires a 30-day notice to end a tenancy. If you provided notice on September 19, 2024, and faced unfair charges for an extended lease period, you may have a valid claim. To strengthen your case, gather evidence such as correspondence, lease agreements, and document any health impacts. Cite relevant laws like M.G.L. Ch. 186, §12, M.G.L. Ch. 93A, and the Fair Housing Act. Consider seeking legal advice to address issues like unjust key fees, improper service animal charges, and health and safety concerns.

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Same question, I sent them on Nov 29th in certified mail, they received on 6th Dec. But I sent email to them on Nov 29th as well and get the response on 30th Nov. Which date I can sue them?
You can generally sue 30 days after the defendant receives your demand letter. Since they received it on December 6th, you can sue on January 5th.
Do you need any further assistance with your case?
The date is based on delivered date?
Yes, generally, the *-day notice period is based on the date the demand letter is delivered and received by the defendant. In this case, since they received it on December 6th, you can sue on January 5th.
Would you like any more information or assistance?
Yes. The email response is not count as days?
The email response generally does not count towards the official *-day notice period. The notice period usually starts when the defendant receives the certified mail.
Do you have any other questions or need further clarification on this matter?
**. Unfair Charges for Extended Lease Period (October * – November *, *): On September *, *, I provided written notice of my intent not to renew my lease, satisfying the *-day notice requirement stipulated in the lease and required by Massachusetts law (M.G.L. ch. *, §*). • Despite this, the Defendant failed to process my notice in a timely manner, improperly extended my lease to November *, *, and charged me a premium for those 10 days, amounting to $*.*. • This extension and accompanying charges were caused solely by the Defendant’s failure to provide the ”Notice of Intent to Vacate” form until September *, *, leaving insufficient time for me to act.
It sounds like you have multiple valid claims under Massachusetts law. Here are some key points to consider:
- Unfair Charges for Extended Lease Period: Massachusetts law (M.G.L. ch. *, §*) requires a *-day notice to end a tenancy. Since you provided notice on September *, *, the charges for the extended lease period could be contested.

- Unjust Key Fee: Charging for a key when the lease specifies keys are provided at no cost could be a violation of M.G.L. ch. 93A.
- Improper Service Animal Charges: The Fair Housing Act prohibits charging pet fees for service animals.
- Health and Safety Issues: Persistent marijuana smoke could be a violation of your right to a habitable living environment.
Would you like more detailed information on any specific claim?
**. Unfair Charges for Extended Lease Period (October * – November *, *): On September *, *, I provided written notice of my intent not to renew my lease, satisfying the *-day notice requirement stipulated in the lease and required by Massachusetts law (M.G.L. ch. *, §*). • Despite this, the Defendant failed to process my notice in a timely manner, improperly extended my lease to November *, *, and charged me a premium for those 10 days, amounting to $*.*. • This extension and accompanying charges were caused solely by the Defendant’s failure to provide the ”Notice of Intent to Vacate” form until September *, *, leaving insufficient time for me to act
It sounds like you have a strong case with multiple valid claims under Massachusetts law. Here are key points to consider:
- Unfair Charges for Extended Lease Period: M.G.L. ch. *, §* requires a *-day notice to end a tenancy. Your notice on September *, *, should suffice.
- Unjust Key Fee: Charging for a key when the lease specifies keys are provided at no cost could violate M.G.L. ch. 93A.
- Improper Service Animal Charges: The Fair Housing Act prohibits charging pet fees for service animals.
- Health and Safety Issues: Persistent marijuana smoke could violate your right to a habitable living environment.
Do you need help drafting a demand letter or filing a complaint?
**. Unfair Charges for Extended Lease Period (October * – November *, *): On September *, *, I provided written notice of my intent not to renew my lease, satisfying the *-day notice requirement stipulated in the lease and required by Massachusetts law (M.G.L. ch. *, §*). • Despite this, the Defendant failed to process my notice in a timely manner, improperly extended my lease to November *, *, and charged me a premium for those 10 days, amounting to $*.*. • This extension and accompanying charges were caused solely by the Defendant’s failure to provide the ”Notice of Intent to Vacate” form until September *, *, leaving insufficient time for me to act
It sounds like you have multiple strong claims under Massachusetts law. Here's a brief overview:
- Unfair Charges for Extended Lease Period: M.G.L. ch. *, §* supports your case.
- Unjust Key Fee: This could be a violation of M.G.L. ch. 93A.
- Improper Service Animal Charges: The Fair Housing Act prohibits such fees.
- Health and Safety Issues: Persistent marijuana smoke affects habitability.
Would you like assistance with drafting a demand letter or filing a complaint?
**. Unfair Charges for Extended Lease Period (October * – November *, *): On September *, *, I provided written notice of my intent not to renew my lease, satisfying the *-day notice requirement stipulated in the lease and required by Massachusetts law (M.G.L. ch. *, §*). • Despite this, the Defendant failed to process my notice in a timely manner, improperly extended my lease to November *, *, and charged me a premium for those 10 days, amounting to $*.*. • This extension and accompanying charges were caused solely by the Defendant’s failure to provide the ”Notice of Intent to Vacate” form until September *, *, leaving insufficient time for me to act
You have multiple valid claims under Massachusetts law, including unfair charges for the extended lease period, unjust key fee, improper service animal charges, and health and safety issues.
Would you like assistance in drafting a demand letter or filing a formal complaint?
**. Unfair Charges for Extended Lease Period (October * – November *, *): On September *, *, I provided written notice of my intent not to renew my lease, satisfying the *-day notice requirement stipulated in the lease and required by Massachusetts law (M.G.L. ch. *, §*). • Despite this, the Defendant failed to process my notice in a timely manner, improperly extended my lease to November *, *, and charged me a premium for those 10 days, amounting to $*.*. • This extension and accompanying charges were caused solely by the Defendant’s failure to provide the ”Notice of Intent to Vacate” form until September *, *, leaving insufficient time for me to act. If you are the judge, how can you determine the result? How can I improve my case
To improve your case, consider the following:
- Gather Evidence: Collect all correspondence (emails, certified mail receipts), lease agreements, and any notices from the landlord.
- Document the Impact: Keep records of health impacts due to marijuana smoke, including any medical visits.
- Legal References: Cite specific Massachusetts laws (M.G.L. ch. *, §* and M.G.L. ch. 93A), the Fair Housing Act, and any local health or housing codes.
Would you like specific advice on gathering evidence or any other aspect of your case?